Outing the Quarterback (Long Pass Chronicles #1) by Tara Lain

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link - No new link available 

A Novel in the Long Pass Chronicles

Will Ashford lives in two closets. He meets his wealthy father's goals as both the quarterback for the famous SCU football team and a business major, but secretly he attends art school and longs to live as a painter. And he's gay. But if he can win the coveted Milton Scholarship for art, he'll be able to break from his father at the end of his senior year.

In a painting master class, Will meets his divergent opposite, Noah Zajack. A scarred orphan who's slept on park benches and eaten from trash cans, Noah carefully plans his life and multiple jobs so he has money and time to go to art school. Will's problems seem like nothing compared to Noah's. Noah wants the scholarship too and may have a way to get it since the teacher of his class has designs on him, a plan Will isn't happy about.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Outing the Quarterback is a fantastic college sports romance. I absolutely loved this first book in Tara Lain's Long Pass Chronicles the first time I read it. It's now being re-released and it's just as wonderful as I remembered.

Will and Noah are great characters, both well developed and complex. 

Will's a closeted football player who can't help but to fall for the beautiful Noah, 

Will's life is just what you'd imagine for a closeted football player. He's dating the head cheerleader, has a rich, controlling father, and he is firmly set upon staying in the closet while playing football. What makes him unique though is that he has a passion for art and wants to pursue that in his future. For now, he's just waiting for college to end. 

And then he meets Noah. Noah's an artist who's beautiful, yet is unique in that he has a scar on his face. For some, that scar is all they see. But for Will, that scar just makes Noah more attractive and more intriguing. 

Outing the Quarterback is a great read. Everything about this Tara Lain story left me mesmerized throughout. I enjoy the complex characters and their far from typical journey. Definitely check this one out if you enjoy sports romances. You won't regret it. 

Suddenly Beck (Belong to Me #1) by Vawn Cassidy

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU ?????
Goodreads Link

A surprisingly sweet, sinfully sexy, and deliciously hilarious romp along the Cornish coast.

Nathan Elliott has run away from home at the age of twenty-six. His teenage rebellion may have come ten years late, but better late than never. Leaving behind a world of wealth and privilege, and a strict patriarchal family that would never except a gay son, he’s ready to embrace life and make up for lost time, but nothing’s ever that simple. A coin toss, a delayed train, and a wrong bus later, and Nat finds himself in a small bay in Cornwall being hauled out of the ocean by a gorgeous stranger and wondering how the hell his life got so off track.

Beck Ainsley lives life by a very simple ethos, don’t get attached, don’t get involved and don’t fall in love. He’s been there, done that and got the t-shirt that reads I’m a gullible idiot. Now, he keeps his life simple; all he needs is his dog, his art, his rambling sea cottage overlooking the bay and a few choice waves to surf. He’s not looking for love or commitment, but when he ends up plucking a posh boy from London with incredible blue eyes from the ocean, Cupid doesn’t just shoot him with an arrow, he decides to club him senseless with the bow too.

One simple agreement. A summer fling, a chance to act on the insane attraction between them with no strings attached, and at the end of the summer they walk away.
There’s just one problem, fate is a fickle and capricious creature, and she has no intention of letting them walk away unscathed. They’re about to discover that sometimes the heart wants, what the heart wants…


From author Wendy Saunders writing as Vawn Cassidy, comes this hot and sweet, first time, MM romance that will leave you laughing out loud and fanning yourself from the heat…

Can be read as a Standalone

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Suddenly Beck is the first book in the Belong to Me series by Vawn Cassidy. It's a wonderful, feel good read set in Cornwall.

From the start, this story pulled me in. We meet Nathan under some circumstances that leave him struggling and confused. 

As he says, he's off to find something better. "...I didn't know where I wanted to go, I just knew where I didn't want to be." And thus starts his tale. 

Nathan and Beck are great together. I enjoy the way they meet and the natural way things evolve for them. I love that Nat helps Beck's family while they help him in return. It's all heart-warming and sweet. These men are perfect together and I just love the way they compliment one another.

I love this little small town and all the charming characters, such as Molly. There are so many secondary characters who fully come to life and add to the fun. The setting is wonderful and I could easily imagine living there. But best of all, is the way the town, and Beck's family take Nat in, making him a part of this supportive community and big family. 

Written in alternating first person pov, the author fully brings the characters to life. It's definitely more detailed than I needed. For example, I didn't find the detailed surfing lessons necessary and found myself skipping forward. 

Suddenly Beck is a wonderful small town romance. I am happy with this Vawn Cassidy read and can't wait to see what happens next in this sweet series. This is perfect the next time you're looking for a sweet, small town romance. 

MF - The Art of Falling in Love by Haleigh Wenger

  

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Seventeen-year-old Claire Haynes always spends summer vacation at her family's beach house in Florida, sketching and dreaming of art school with her biggest fan--her Opa. But when Opa dies right before summer break, all Claire has left besides her memories is a sand-sculpting contest application with her name on it and the lingering question of why Opa filled it out in the first place. Claire has never even made a decent sandcastle, but she reluctantly turns in the entry forms, hoping the contest will help her navigate the grieving process by honoring one of Opa's last wishes.

When she meets Foster, a teenage boy with a talent for turning recyclables into abstract sculptures, the two join forces to win the contest and salvage the Summer of Art. They spend the humid summer days shoveling sand, devouring ice cream, and exploring Florida's art scene. Just like Opa, Foster understands Claire and her overwhelming need to create, but he has a secret that threatens to ruin everything: he's homeless and hiding from an abusive brother who would have him believe family trumps all.

When Claire's parents find out about Foster's homelessness, they offer him a home along with their hearts. But even picture-perfect families like Claire's can harbor an ugly side, especially in the aftermath of Opa's death. When someone close to Claire spills Foster's secret, they're both forced to choose between love and familial obligation. If Claire can't break through long-held beliefs and prove family is more than shared DNA, she could permanently lose Foster and a chance at the sand contest to honor Opa.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Art of Falling in Love is a nice young adult romance. This Haleigh Wenger is a beautiful coming of age tale.

Claire and Foster's story is a great one, as these two are dealing with a lot of issues. These two are total opposites, who bond over their connection and their love of art. 

Claire feels the pressure of her newly deceased grandfather's expectations, but is struggling to find her muse. 

I enjoy all the talk about art. Foster is definitely a fabulous character, who's a true artist with an artist's soul. 

There are some serious situations involved. Foster's revelation didn't surprise me, but it definitely affected me. 

The Art of Falling in Love is one of those easy to fall into books. Everything about this Haleigh Wenger book kept me turning the pages. This is a great choice the next time you're in the mood for an emotional and poignant young adult romance. 

FF - The Mandolin Lunch by Missouri Vaun

 

Amazon Link   

Goodreads Link

Children’s book illustrator Garet Allen has just escaped her most recent, ill-fated relationship and accepts a temporary teaching position at a rural public school. After all, how hard can teaching kids about art really be? Apparently, pretty hard, because her first day on the job is a complete disaster, and that has nothing at all to do with the fact that Tess Hill, the captivating and overly conscientious music teacher, shares the same classroom.

Tess, a dedicated teacher and single mother focused on creating a stable life for her daughter, is immediately attracted to the handsome, cavalier Garet for all the wrong reasons. Everything about Garet says short-term, and Tess refuses to consider anything less than forever. She’s not about to give her heart away to someone she can’t count on.

Can Garet and Tess survive three months sharing the same classroom without killing each other…or falling in love? 

My Rating - 3 Stars!

The Mandolin Lunch is a slow burn lesbian romance. 

Tess is a single mom, trying to balance raising June and everything work involved. She dreams of having a partner to share her life and responsibilities with.

Meanwhile, Garet's in town for a short time, for a three month teaching position. 

The two have some instant attraction when they meet, and then discover they'll be teaching in the same room for three months. Yay - forced proximity between two people who are already hot for each other. 

From the start, the tone drew me in. The writing style is pleasant, instantly intriguing me with these characters. That said, the story is definitely way slow at times, as the author excels at setting the scenery, thus dragging out the story. It's a sweet story that develops as you'd expect, but it definitely bored me during the second half. 

I adore June and all her moments in the story. She's cute and adds a lot to the tale. She also makes me happy to have discovered this tale.

The Mandolin Lunch is well worth a read when you're in the mood for simple, sweet lesbian romance. But only read it if you enjoy descriptive writing. 

BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Abstract Love by Sara Dobie Bauer

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: Abstract Love

Author: Sara Dobie Bauer

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Release Date: September 4, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary MM romance

Trope/s: enemies-to-lovers, age gap, co-workers, office romance, 

bisexuality, businessmen, artists, bondage, comedy

Themes: sexual awakening

Possible triggers: depression, suicidal ideations, biphobia

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Length: 71 000 words

It is a standalone book.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

I hate Sam Shelby. So why do I want to kiss him?

Sam never expected to move back to Cleveland.
Donovan never expected to be attracted to a man.
Well, shit happens.

After high school, Sam Shelby moved to New York. Eight years later, he returns to Cleveland and lands a job at the best ad firm in town. It would be the perfect gig, if his boss weren’t such an ass.

After his wife leaves, Donovan Cooper questions everything. The arrival of a young, arrogant, gifted graphic designer at Donovan’s firm is the last straw.

Tempers flare over office gossip, and following a nasty argument and scathing kiss, Donovan flails away from heterosexuality while Sam struggles to keep his “no relationship” rule intact.

Despite ugly socks, fiery fights, and their best intentions to not fall in love, these bullheaded coworkers can’t deny their chemistry. Donovan seeks happiness while Sam seeks success, but is there room for more?

__________________________________________________________________________

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Abstract Love is a delightful enemies to lovers romance, sort of. To me, this Sara Dobie Bauer read is more of two men getting off to a bad start together and their slow progression towards love. 

When Sam and Donovan become co-workers, the sparks fly. Donovan is miserable with his life, as he's getting a divorce which has left him empty and gruff. Thus, he hates the energetic and arrogant Sam from the start. Yes, fun sparks!

Ohhhh...Sam. I love and adore the confidence Sam has. At times it's over the top, almost making me mad at him, but he has the game to back up his arrogance. His talent is well established and I love the way he discusses art.

Their story includes family issues, as Sam struggles as his long estranged father is dying. His parents are vile. And then there's Donovan's family issues, as his wife left him for his best friend. It's a tough road for both of them, but in the end, I love the way everything is resolved.

As for the relationship itself, these two men make for a great couple. They definitely have some strong chemistry and they bring out the best in one another. And oh, the opposites attract theme is strong with these two. 

The author takes these two on a long journey. Sam has never wanted an actual relationship, creating problems with Donovan, as well as with his fling Jamie. His insistence on being independent and repeatedly pushing people away is almost his undoing. I love it all. The changes in both men are extraordinary by the end.  

As for the sex, there's some sizzling sexual exploration with some great first times and plenty of emotion. If you enjoy first times, you'll love it all. 

My favorite thing though is the way Sam sees Donovan; sees the real Donovan. Sam sees past Donovan's facade and pushes him to be happy, which he's never been. I adore this aspect of the tale. I love the way Donovan comes to grips with his submissive personality, and takes charge of his life for once. 

Abstract Love is a compelling read. This Sara Dobie Bauer gem explores the importance of being happy, and going after what makes one happy. I truly enjoyed this book. It's a long, slow burn read, at almost 300 pages, but it's all fabulous. If you enjoy men who experience a large amount of character growth, don't miss this one. 

__________________________________________________________________________

Donovan sifted through a few hand-drawn logos on the desk and froze when he found a crudely drawn sketch of himself. Sam must have done it during a meeting at some point, capturing Donovan’s faux hawk, wide jaw, and severe expression.

Jesus, was this what other people saw when they looked at him? Did he really look so miserable?

“Make yourself at home?”

Donovan dropped the picture and stood straight at the sound of Sam’s voice.

He leaned against the doorframe, with one ankle crossed over the other.

“It’s really bullshit when people say that, you know?” Sam said. “Make yourself at home. No one actually wants their friends to take off their pants, drink all their beer, and binge The Great British Bake Off.” He paused. “What are you doing in my office?”

“I didn’t mean to snoop.”

The office door closed as he stepped inside. “Sure you did, or you wouldn’t be in here, so what’s up?”

Sam circled the desk, so Donovan circled the other way, although he noticed it was true what coworkers said: Sam did smell good—like clean laundry and cedar. “I think we started off on the wrong foot.”

Sam snort laughed and flipped through some files on his desk. “More like wrong continent, man.” When he found what he was looking for, he tapped the file’s corner against his palm. “I can handle guys like you, you know.”

Donovan shifted back on his heels. “Guys like me?”

“Hmm. Corporate assholes. All you see are dollar signs. You take no pleasure in your work. Advertising is money to you, not art, but without the artists, there wouldn’t be advertising, so…” He sucked his cheeks into his mouth, a momentary fish face.

Donovan wanted to tell him it wasn’t true. Donovan loved art.

He used to love art.

Sam continued, “I know I look like a six-foot-two Disney princess, but you’re not gonna rattle me.” To prove his point, Sam got right up in Donovan’s personal space until Donovan took a step back. Again, he was not used to dealing with someone his own height. “And I’m right about the Great Lakes ad campaign. If you’d pull your head out of your ass, maybe you’d notice.” He turned away abruptly.

“Sam.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry.” Ouch, that hurt coming out.

Sam’s rebuttal: “Prove it.”

“Excuse me?”

He rested a hand on the desk and cocked his hip out—the very picture of young attitude. “Listen to me in meetings.”

“I was listening.”

“Nope.” He shook his head and ran a hand through his unkempt, unprofessional hair. “No, you were hearing. I need you to listen. There’s a difference. And I know I’m just some fucking kid to you, but I ruled the New York City advertising scene. I know what I’m doing, Donovan, so let me do it.”

“Fine.” He’d had enough. He’d apologized, okay, so he’d done his Monica-enforced duty. He didn’t owe Sam anything else.

He didn’t run for the door, but he definitely moved with speed.

 

__________________________________________________________________________

Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, and mental health / LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film.

 

 

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Private Facebook Group

Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up | Freebies

__________________________________________________________________________

   

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts, interviews, and reviews here

Visions of Love (Cut to the Feeling #3) by Noah Steele

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

When grief-stricken law school dropout Marc Marchand visits an art exhibit, the long-forgotten butterflies in his chest finally beat their wings again—all thanks to kind-hearted Scottish artist Connor May.

Marc has been living in a world turned gray ever since he lost the first great love of his life. But Connor fills the world with colors Marc forgot existed. He burns like a hearth melting the ice around Marc’s heart.

When Marc takes the one chance he thought he’d never take again, the two share an unexpected kiss both familiar and strange.

The sparks between them are undeniable. He’s falling for Connor, and Connor for him. But is that love strong enough for Marc to leave his grief—and his guilt—behind?

Visions of Love is book 3 in the Cut to the Feeling series. It’s a low-angst gay instalove romantic drama that can stand alone, but is better read as part of the series. When grief-stricken law school dropout Marc Marchand visits an art exhibit, the long-forgotten butterflies in his chest finally beat their wings again—all thanks to kind-hearted Scottish artist Connor May.

Marc has been living in a world turned gray ever since he lost the first great love of his life. But Connor fills the world with colors Marc forgot existed. He burns like a hearth melting the ice around Marc’s heart.

When Marc takes the one chance he thought he’d never take again, the two share an unexpected kiss both familiar and strange.

The sparks between them are undeniable. He’s falling for Connor, and Connor for him. But is that love strong enough for Marc to leave his grief—and his guilt—behind?

Visions of Love is book 3 in the Cut to the Feeling series. It’s a low-angst gay instalove romantic drama that can stand alone, but is better read as part of the series.

When grief-stricken law school dropout Marc Marchand visits an art exhibit, the long-forgotten butterflies in his chest finally beat their wings again—all thanks to kind-hearted Scottish artist Connor May.

Marc has been living in a world turned gray ever since he lost the first great love of his life. But Connor fills the world with colors Marc forgot existed. He burns like a hearth melting the ice around Marc’s heart.

When Marc takes the one chance he thought he’d never take again, the two share an unexpected kiss both familiar and strange.

The sparks between them are undeniable. He’s falling for Connor, and Connor for him. But is that love strong enough for Marc to leave his grief—and his guilt—behind?

Visions of Love is book 3 in the Cut to the Feeling series. It’s a low-angst gay instalove romantic drama that can stand alone, but is better read as part of the series.
Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Noah Steele's Visions of Love, the third book in the Cut to the Feeling series, is a sweet and tender story of healing. Although easily read as a standalone, it's even more enjoyable if you've read the previous books. 

Marc is attracted to Connor, the first time he's been attracted to anyone since his husband died. Connor reminds him of his husband, but there's so much more to this attraction. They may start off with a quick kiss, but theirs is a slow developing relationship in the long run, which is a nice twist to the typical insta-love storyline.

Both men have depth to them. Marc is a complex man who has a lot of emotional baggage. Connor, meanwhile, struggles with his fame; just wanting to be liked for himself, not his art. I absolutely love these complex characters. 

Their story also involves some crazy fans, horrific nightmares, and some hot moments. There is a whole lot of depth to this story, as Marc struggles with not only grief, but also with guilt and the pain involved with forgiving oneself. The author does a fantastic job, tackling the pain and fear involved with taking a second chance on love with compassion and care.

Visions of Love is a stellar story of forgiving oneself and embracing happiness. It's a lovely story, a total feel-good romance. I am once again impressed with Noah Steele's ability to write emotional characters. 

When grief-stricken law school dropout Marc Marchand visits an art exhibit, the long-forgotten butterflies in his chest finally beat their wings again—all thanks to kind-hearted Scottish artist Connor May.

Marc has been living in a world turned gray ever since he lost the first great love of his life. But Connor fills the world with colors Marc forgot existed. He burns like a hearth melting the ice around Marc’s heart.

When Marc takes the one chance he thought he’d never take again, the two share an unexpected kiss both familiar and strange.

The sparks between them are undeniable. He’s falling for Connor, and Connor for him. But is that love strong enough for Marc to leave his grief—and his guilt—behind?

Visions of Love is book 3 in the Cut to the Feeling series. It’s a low-angst gay instalove romantic drama that can stand alone, but is better read as part of the series.

Extra Time (Off the Pitch, #2) by Charlie Novak

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Can a chance encounter help two lost souls find love?

Kit Macken is used to not being wanted. Slightly strange and a little odd, Kit believes he’s more likely to find gold than someone who loves him. Until a chance encounter brings him face to face with a man who knows what it’s like to suddenly be alone; footballer, Hugo Serin.


Fresh off a painful divorce and an even more painful broken leg, Hugo feels like he’s lost everything. Isolated and drifting, Hugo isn’t expecting a rom-com style meet-cute any time soon. But he hadn’t counted on meeting Kit, who might just be the walking ray of sunshine Hugo needs to break through the clouds surrounding him.


When a freak accident leaves Kit’s house uninhabitable, Hugo opens his home, and his heart, to the man whose charming eccentricity makes him feel things he’d long forgotten. All he has to do now is convince Kit he’s worthy of love, just the way he is.


Extra Time is a 77,000-word contemporary gay romance featuring a clueless protagonist, Scottish adventures, an overbearing best friend and a plan to capture Nessie.

It is book two in the Off the Pitch series and can be read as a stand alone.Can a chance encounter help two lost souls find love?

Kit Macken is used to not being wanted. Slightly strange and a little odd, Kit believes he’s more likely to find gold than someone who loves him. Until a chance encounter brings him face to face with a man who knows what it’s like to suddenly be alone; footballer, Hugo Serin.


Fresh off a painful divorce and an even more painful broken leg, Hugo feels like he’s lost everything. Isolated and drifting, Hugo isn’t expecting a rom-com style meet-cute any time soon. But he hadn’t counted on meeting Kit, who might just be the walking ray of sunshine Hugo needs to break through the clouds surrounding him.


When a freak accident leaves Kit’s house uninhabitable, Hugo opens his home, and his heart, to the man whose charming eccentricity makes him feel things he’d long forgotten. All he has to do now is convince Kit he’s worthy of love, just the way he is.


Extra Time is a 77,000-word contemporary gay romance featuring a clueless protagonist, Scottish adventures, an overbearing best friend and a plan to capture Nessie.

It is book two in the Off the Pitch series and can be read as a stand alone.

Can a chance encounter help two lost souls find love?

Kit Macken is used to not being wanted. Slightly strange and a little odd, Kit believes he’s more likely to find gold than someone who loves him. Until a chance encounter brings him face to face with a man who knows what it’s like to suddenly be alone; footballer, Hugo Serin.


Fresh off a painful divorce and an even more painful broken leg, Hugo feels like he’s lost everything. Isolated and drifting, Hugo isn’t expecting a rom-com style meet-cute any time soon. But he hadn’t counted on meeting Kit, who might just be the walking ray of sunshine Hugo needs to break through the clouds surrounding him.


When a freak accident leaves Kit’s house uninhabitable, Hugo opens his home, and his heart, to the man whose charming eccentricity makes him feel things he’d long forgotten. All he has to do now is convince Kit he’s worthy of love, just the way he is.


Extra Time is a 77,000-word contemporary gay romance featuring a clueless protagonist, Scottish adventures, an overbearing best friend and a plan to capture Nessie.

It is book two in the Off the Pitch series and can be read as a stand alone.

Can a chance encounter help two lost souls find love?

Kit Macken is used to not being wanted. Slightly strange and a little odd, Kit believes he’s more likely to find gold than someone who loves him. Until a chance encounter brings him face to face with a man who knows what it’s like to suddenly be alone; footballer, Hugo Serin.

Fresh off a painful divorce and an even more painful broken leg, Hugo feels like he’s lost everything. Isolated and drifting, Hugo isn’t expecting a rom-com style meet-cute any time soon. But he hadn’t counted on meeting Kit, who might just be the walking ray of sunshine Hugo needs to break through the clouds surrounding him.

When a freak accident leaves Kit’s house uninhabitable, Hugo opens his home, and his heart, to the man whose charming eccentricity makes him feel things he’d long forgotten. All he has to do now is convince Kit he’s worthy of love, just the way he is.

Extra Time is a 77,000-word contemporary gay romance featuring a clueless protagonist, Scottish adventures, an overbearing best friend and a plan to capture Nessie.

It is book two in the Off the Pitch series and can be read as a stand alone.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Charlie Novak's Extra Time is the second book in the Off The Pitch series. 

Hugo's adjusting to life with his injury, as well as contemplating his future. He's newly divorced, injured, and isn't sure if he'll be able to play football again. Meanwhile there's Kit, the odd artist who doesn't know how to care for himself, and is too honest for his own good. What follows is a tender relationship between the two men.

This book is super, cavity inducing sweet. The way these two come together, supporting and understanding one another, as well as exploring their sexuality together, is amazing. I couldn't love it more. The author excels in creating such wonderful characters. Honestly, to say Kit is eccentric and absent minded is an under-statement. And Hugo's a complex man who's life is all up in the air. That said, as Hugo's a football player, I expected more sports moments. It's not a problem for me that they weren't there, but I was definitely surprised.

This is a story that does an amazing job exploring demi-sexuality. I love the way his sexuality is written, with some understanding, care, and compassion. I appreciate the feelings involved and enjoy the way this is portrayed.

As for my favorite quote, it has to be "Is love supposed to be this terrifying?" I absolutely love this. Not only is this a story of true love, but it's that all consuming and terrifying love. 

Extra Time is a beautiful tale of finding a home; finding someone who fits with you completely. Although a standalone, I highly recommend reading Breakaway just because it is that damn good. As well, getting to know Kit and David will make you enjoy this story even more.